AVAILABLE RECORD STORE DAY, THIS FRIDAY, NOV 25

TWO LA EVENTS: RELEASE SHOW TONIGHT, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21

AMOEBA ALBUM SIGNING SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

‘HOT TUB WITH KURT AND KRISTEN LIVE AT THE VIRGIL’ double album will be available on RECORD STORE DAY, this FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25 via KILL ROCK STARS. Recorded live over two nights at The Virgil in LA at Kurt Braunohler and Kristen Schaal’s long-running comedy variety show “Hot Tub,” Kurt and Kristen hand-picked ten of their favorite comics for the double LP. It includes stand-up and live performances by Kurt Braunohler, Kristen Schaal, Aparna Nancherla, Eddie Pepitone, Karen Kilgariff, Kyle Kinane, Beth Stelling, Andres du Bouchet, Eugene Mirman, John Roberts, Emily Heller, and Heather Lawless.

The ‘Hot Tub with Kurt & Kristen Live at the Virgil’ comedy compilation will be available in stores this Friday on double vinyl with gatefold plus a download code. The album is also available digitally.Order here: http://hottubshow.bandcamp.com

Kristen and Kurt co-created and have co-hosted the continuously sold-out variety show “Hot Tub” for 11 years. The duo started the show in NY and moved the show to LA in January 2013 where it was hailed “the hottest new comedy show” by Los Angeles Magazine. Kurt and Kristen continue to host and perform Hot Tub to a packed house every Monday night at The Virgil in LA.More info: hottubshow.tumblr.com

Join Kurt and Kristen at two LA events celebrating ‘Hot Tub with Kurt & Kristen Live at the Virgil.’ Monday, November 21 at The VirgilAlbum Release Show with guests Emily Heller, Eddie Pepitone, Beth Stelling, Rana May, and John Howell Harris8pmTickets at: https://nightout.com/events/hot-tub/tickets#.WC5OaSMrLi8

TICKETSON SALE THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20 @10 A.M. PST

“one giant event not to miss” - PASTE

“a comedy fan’s delight, bursting with talent and unique programming, and certain to have something for everyone" - SF WEEKLY

SF Sketchfest presented by Audible will celebrate the 16th annual San Francisco Comedy Festival January 12-29, 2017, with more than 200 shows featuring top comedic talents performing in 20 venues across the city. The 17-day festival will feature major comedy stars and the best up-and-coming comedians from around the world for non-stop entertainment including sketch, stand-up, alternative comedy, music, improv, films, tributes, live podcasts, workshops, and panel discussions.

SF Sketchfest is proud to announce that Audible will be the official presenting sponsor of the 16th annual festival. Audible is the world’s largest seller and producer of downloadable audiobooks and other spoken word entertainment. Audible hosts more than 325,000 audio programs including comedy, audiobooks, short-form original content, news, and entertainment.

As a valued partner of SF Sketchfest, Audible will be presenting live versions of some of their original comedy series, including: “Hold On with Eugene Mirman,” “The Guest List,” “Timothy McSweeney’s Internet Tendency,” “Fresh Voice of Stand-Up,” and more. The full seasons of these, early access to top comedy albums, and many other original comedy shows – from Nick Offerman’s “Bedtime Stories for Cynics” to Will Arnett’s “The Comedy Show Show” – are available exclusively on Audible’s new mobile app Channels, along with a wide range of world-class audio programming. Audible Channels is available free with an Audible membership, Amazon Prime membership, and is also available to purchase as a standalone offering.

This year SF Sketchfest has teamed up with 826 Valencia, a nonprofit organization that provides free writing, tutoring, and publishing programs to under-resourced students in San Francisco. Founded by educator Ninive Calegari and author Dave Eggers, 826 Valencia comprises two writing centers – a flagship location in the Mission District and a new center in the Tenderloin neighborhood – and three satellite classrooms in Buena Vista Horace Mann K-8, Everett Middle School, and Mission School. This year, 826 Valencia will be celebrating its 15th anniversary and, as part of the official festival program, SF Sketchfest will host a benefit show called “Soundtracks Live” featuring scenes and live music from a classic 1980s teen comedy with actors Matt Ballard, Michael Ian Black, Beth Dover, Joe Lo Truglio, Chelsea Peretti, Marisa Ryan, Michael Showalter, Bobby Tisdale, and David Wain, with music by Amy Miles.

ABOUT SF SKETCHFEST:SF Sketchfest, co-founded and directed by David Owen, Cole Stratton, and Janet Varney, produces the eclectic San Francisco Comedy Festival, an internationally-recognized and critically-acclaimed event that mixes major comedy stars and the best up-and-coming comedians from around the world for two weeks of sketch, stand-up, alternative comedy, music, improv, films, tributes, live podcasts, workshops, and panel discussions. SF Sketchfest offers its audiences the rare opportunity to see their favorite performers in intimate live performances and discussions.

ABOUT AUDIBLE, INC.Audible, Inc., an Amazon.com, Inc. subsidiary (NASDAQ:AMZN), is the leading provider of premium digital spoken audio information and entertainment, offering customers a new way to enhance and enrich their lives every day. Audible was created to unleash the emotive music in language and the habituating power and utility of verbal expression. Audible content includes more than 325,000 audio programs from leading audiobook publishers, broadcasters, entertainers, magazine and newspaper publishers, and business information providers. Audible is also the preeminent provider of spoken-word audio products for Apple’s iTunes Store.More information: www.audible.com

RAISE THE ROOF BENEFIT SHOW HOSTED BY MAEVE HIGGINS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, THE BELL HOUSE (BROOKLYN)

TICKETS NOW ON SALE

On Sunday, December 4th, join New York City’s freshest and funniest comedians and writers at The Bell House (Brooklyn) as they give their time and talent to RAISE THE ROOF and much needed funds for Syria’s children. Hosted by comedian Maeve Higgins (Maeve In America), the night will feature actor/comedian/filmmaker Mike Birbiglia (Don’t Think Twice), author Jon Ronson (The Psychopath Test, Frank, The Men Who Stare At Goats), comedians Eugene Mirman (Bob’s Burgers), Aparna Nancherla (Inside Amy Schumer, Late Night With Seth Meyers), Todd Barry (Louie), Mehran Khaghani (Last Comic Standing), and Tanael Joachim (Gotham Comedy Live) for a night of readings and comedy.

The night will also be recorded for Irish comedian Maeve Higgins’ podcast,MAEVE IN AMERICA (First Look Media), featuring funny, beautiful, and sometimes maddening immigration stories, told by the people who’ve lived them.

Produced by Pretty Good Friends

RAISE THE ROOF AND HELP SYRIAN CHILDREN!SUN, DECEMBER 4th at THE BELL HOUSE (Brooklyn)Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm$25.00

‘HOT TUB WITH KURT AND KRISTEN LIVE AT THE VIRGIL’ DOUBLE ALBUM ANNOUNCED FOR RECORD STORE DAY RELEASE, FRIDAY NOV 25

HEAR UNRELEASED ALBUM TRACKVIA AV CLUB

‘HOT TUB WITH KURT AND KRISTEN LIVE AT THE VIRGIL’ double album announced for RECORD STORE DAY release FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25 via KILL ROCK STARS. Recorded LIVE! over two nights at The Virgil in LA at Kurt Braunohler and Kristen Schaal’s long-running comedy variety show “Hot Tub,” Kurt and Kristen hand-picked ten of their favorite comics for the double LP. ‘Hot Tub with Kurt & Kristen Live at the Virgil’ includes stand-up and live performances by Kurt Braunohler, Kristen Schaal, Aparna Nancherla, Eddie Pepitone, Karen Kilgariff, Kyle Kinane, Beth Stelling, Andres du Bouchet, Eugene Mirman, John Roberts, Emily Heller, and Heather Lawless.

The ‘Hot Tub with Kurt and Kristen Live at the Virgil’ comedy compilation will be available on double vinyl with gatefold for Record Store Day on Black Friday, November 25. Vinyl copies will also come with download code. Record stores can order copies to have in stock for Record Store Day from Redeye Worldwide.

Kristen and Kurt co-created and have co-hosted the continuously sold-out variety show “Hot Tub” for 11 years. The duo started the show in NY and moved the show to LA in Jan 2013 where it was hailed “the hottest new comedy show” by Los Angeles Magazine. Kurt and Kristen continue to host and perform Hot Tub to a packed house every Monday night at The Virgil in LA.

BLUE-EYED SON RELEASE NEW SINGLE “SNOWBIRD”

AVAILABLE FOR STREAM & DOWNLOAD VIA EENIE MEENIE RECORDS

BLUE-EYED SON today releases their new single “SNOWBIRD” via EENIE MEENIE RECORDS. Written and performed by Blue-eyed Son, aka Andrew Helprin, “Snowbird” was recorded in Portland and produced by Scott McPherson (Elliot Smith, Neil Finn, She and Him) who also played drums, percussion, piano, and organ. “Snowbird” is the second release from Blue-eyed Son who is releasing a new track every month for a year. The series of tracks will be released as an album next year.

“Snowbird” follows last month’s release of the charming, internationally-created single “Further Ya Go” which features Helprin on vocals and guitar with Japanese guest vocalist CHAN-MIKA, Gnkosai on drums, Adachi “PANIC” Soichiro on guitar, Masashi Umeda on bass and produced by Ryoji Saito. The delightful and creative “Further Ya Go” video, which accompanied the single release, was filmed in Yokohamo, Japan, Venice, CA, and directed by Ichikiro.

The “Snowbird” and “Further Ya Go” singles are the first new music from Blue-eyed Son since the 2013 release of the EP ‘Shadows on the Son’ which reveled in the spirit of alt-rock greats such as Wilco, Granddaddy and The Flaming Lips. After its release, Blue-eyed Son toured extensively and played more than 100 shows in the US and five shows in Japan making fans and friends around the world. Now, 2016 finds Blue-eyed Son’s Helprin writing and recording new songs for a full-length album (release date TBA), playing select dates, surfing, and enjoying time with his dogs.

JAY LARSON’s new comedy album HUMAN MATH is now available on ASPECIALTHING RECORDS. A follow-up to his debut album ‘Self Diagnosed’, Jay’s new stand-up album was recorded live in Atlanta, and features his masterful storytelling, life tips and a healthy dose of crowd work.

‘Human Math’ will be released on vinyl in the near future. In the meantime, head to iTunes to download your copy. Order “Human Math” on iTunes: http://apple.co/2duvCOo

Jay Larson is best known as a stand-up comedian with multiple appearances on The Late Late Show, four appearances on Conan and his own Half Hour Special on Comedy Central. Jay’s style is completely original and his ability to connect to an audience through storytelling is unmatched. His “Wrong Number” story went viral after climbing to #1 on Reddit and was also featured on “This American Life” with Ira Glass claiming, “Perfect Comedy, Perfect Storytelling.” Jay’s storytelling has also been featured on Comedy Central’s “This is Not Happening” and can be heard every Toozdee on his wildly successful podcast “The CrabFeast”.

While stand-up is his first love, Jay wears many hats. He has a role in the highly-anticipated second season of “Twin Peaks” set to air on Showtime in 2017; recently co-hosted two seasons of “Best Bars in America”; and also made his movie debut in the critically acclaimed thriller “The Invitation”.

ASPECIALTHING RECORDS is a Los Angeles-based independent comedy record label owned and operated by Matt Belknap and Ryan McManemin. Stemming from an online message board, aspecialthing records has taken a D.I.Y. approach to producing and distributing the finest stand-up comedy albums since 2006. Having already worked with such celebrated artists as Paul F. Tompkins, Doug Benson, Kyle Kinane, Greg Proops, and Jen Kirkman, AST is looking forward to expanding their catalog while continuing their dedication to exceptional emerging and established comics.

THE NEW YORK TIMES AND WBUR PRESENT MODERN LOVE LIVE, OCTOBER 20TH aT TOWN HALL, NYC

HOSTED BY NPR’s OPHIRA EISENBERG wITH MODERN LOVE: THE PODCAST’S MEGHNA CHAKRABARTI & DANIEL JONES OF THE NEW YORK TIMES

The New York Times and WBUR, Boston’s NPR Station, will present the first-ever Modern Love Live, a live recording of the hit podcast on Thursday, October 20th at 8pm at the historic Town Hall in New York City. Modern Love: The Podcast is based on The Time’s popular series of weekly reader-submitted essays.

Meghna Chakrabarti (host of Modern Love: The Podcast) and Daniel Jones (editor of the “Modern Love” column) will be joined onstage by special guests for a night of readings, comedy, and music as the joys and tribulations of love come to life like never before.

Modern Love Live will be taped at Town Hall and hosted by Ophira Eisenberg (NPR’s Ask Me Another). “Modern Love” essays will be read by Kate Burton (Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal) and Amber Tamblyn (Dark Sparkler); David Harbour (Stranger Things) interviews with the writers; comedy by Michelle Buteau; Indie pop band Luciuswill be performing their music.

OCTOBER STAND-UP TOUR ANNOUNCED

“his standup remains as poignant and timely as ever” – SPLITSIDER

Critically-acclaimed socio-political comedian W. KAMAU BELL (“Totally Biased,”“CNN’s United Shades of America”) will release his first solo stand-up special ‘W. Kamau Bell: Semi-Prominent Negro’ on CD and MP3 today, Friday, September 30 via Kill Rock Stars. Directed by Morgan Spurlock (“Super Size Me,” “Freakonomics”) and originally seen on Showtime, ‘Semi-Prominent Negro’ was recorded live in Brooklyn and features Kamau’s uniquely insightful and hilarious views on a host of social and political issues such as gentrification, marriage equality, “mixed-race” children, and doing Black children’s hair—just to name a few. Throughout ‘Semi-Prominent Negro’ Bell confirms his stature as one of the leading cultural critics of our time.

W. Kamau Bell is the host of the Emmy-nominated CNN docu-series “United Shades of America,” KALW’s “Kamau Right Now,” the Chris Rock produced“Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell,” and co-host of the popular podcast, “Politically Re-Active”alongside Hari Kondabolu. Kamau has appeared on “Conan,”“WTF with Marc Maron,”“The Rachel Maddow Show,”“The View,”“Fresh Air with Terry Gross,”Comedy Central’s“@midnight,”“This American Life,”“Tavis Smiley”—and more.

2017 will see the return of “United Shades of America”on CNN and the release of his first book, “The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell: Tales of a 6' 4", African American, Heterosexual, Cisgender, Left-Leaning, Asthmatic, Black and Proud Blerd, Mama's Boy, Dad, and Stand-Up Comedian” (hardcover, June 6, 2017).

PATTON OSWALT’SEMMY AWARD-WINNING COMEDY SPECIAL “TALKING FOR CLAPPING” TO BE RELEASED ON VINYL

AVAILABLE VIA ASPECIALTHING RECORDS THIS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

VINYL-ONLY PRESSING INCLUDES DIGITAL DOWNLOAD + 2 BONUS TRACKS

PATTON OSWALT returned to his adopted home of San Francisco in 2015 to tape his triumphant, Emmy Award-winning Netflix special “Talking for Clapping” and now you can enjoy the hilarity in the warm confines of vinyl via aspecialthing Records this Friday, September 23. From politics to parenting to pills, Oswalt brings surgical precision to the proceedings, balancing personal stories with the acidic pop analysis that has become his signature. Brilliantly conceived and masterful in its execution, “Talking for Clapping” is Patton Oswalt at his finest.

aspecialthing Records will release the vinyl-only pressing of Patton’s sixth comedy special “Talking for Clapping” which includes digital download + two bonus tracks. The limited-edition blue splatter vinyl pre-sales with proceeds going to 826LA have SOLD OUT.

In addition to being a heralded stand-up, Patton Oswalt has received critical acclaim for his roles in the films “Big Fan” and “Young Adult” while his fans also recognize him for his many TV appearances including a starring role on “The Heart, She Holler,” series regular on Showtime’s “United States of Tara,” as well as “Caprica,” “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” “Parks and Recreation,” “Justified,” “Two and a Half Men,” “Portlandia,” “Bored to Death,” “Flight of the Conchords,” “King of Queens”—and more.

Patton can currently be seen on Netflix’s show “Lady Dynamite,” starring fellow comedian, Maria Bamford; and on HBO’s Emmy Award-winning “Veep.” He also recently finished shooting the big screen adaptation of Dave Eggers’ novel, The Circle alongside Tom Hanks, Emma Watson, and John Boyega.

Order “Talking For Clapping” on vinyl with digital download + two bonus tracks

ASPECIALTHING RECORDS (AST) is a Los Angeles-based independent comedy record label owned and operated by Matt Belknap and Ryan McManemin. Stemming from an online message board, aspecialthing Records has taken a D.I.Y. approach to producing and distributing the finest stand-up comedy albums since 2006. Having already worked with such celebrated artists as Paul F. Tompkins, Doug Benson, Kyle Kinane, Greg Proops, and Jen Kirkman, AST is looking forward to expanding their catalog while continuing their dedication to exceptional emerging and established comics.

BLUE-EYED SON RELEASES NEW SINGLE & VIDEO

“FURTHER YA GO” AVAILABLE TODAY VIA EENIE MEENIE RECORDS

FEATURING SPECIAL GUESTS CHAN-MIKA, RYOJI SAITO & MORE

Indie singer songwriter BLUE-EYED SON releases his new single “FURTHER YA GO” via EENIE MEENIE RECORDS today, September 20, as well as a video featuring the talents of Japanese vocalist CHAN-MIKA, producer Ryoji Saito, Gnkosai on drums, Adachi “PANIC” Soichiro on guitar, and Masashi Umeda on bass.

Created jointly by American singer songwriter Andrew Heilprin, a.k.a Blue-eyed Son, and his special guests from Japan, “Further Ya Go” started out as a travel song with a message that no matter where you drift on the waves of time, your friends, family and memories will always go with you. Andrew tinkered around with the song for a couple of years but didn’t finish writing it until one night at a venue called BB Street in Yokohama, Japan. At the end of the night, Andrew asked the other artists to jam an encore with him and when he began playing the “Further Ya Go” chord progression, these magically talented Japanese friends rocked out the best live jam version of the song he had ever heard.

Upon returning home to Venice, CA, Andrew began trading files with his new friends and bringing the song to life. Recording remotely with artists all over the world isn’t anything new, but after hearing the initial mix and reflecting on the process, Andrew remarked that indeed as the song says, “the further ya go, the closer ya get.”

Singer songwriter Blue-eyed Son’s (aka Andrew Heilprin) shimmering acoustic mutations were revealed in his 2004 debut, ‘West of Lincoln’ - a critically acclaimed album that swam beneath the surface of the mainstream while yielding national tours, international tours to both Japan and Australia and licensing for films and TV shows including WEEDS and Grey’s Anatomy. In 2013, Eenie Meenie Records released Blue-eyed Son’s follow-up EP, ‘Shadows on the Son’, which revels in the spirit of alt-rock greats such as Wilco, Granddaddy, and The Flaming Lips. After its release, Blue-eyed Son toured extensively and played more than 100 shows in the US and five shows in Japan. Now, 2016 finds Blue-eyed Son writing/recording new songs for a full-length album release later this year and playing select dates, surfing and enjoying time with his dogs.

Ryoji Saito (Arranger/Producer) is the frontman of a number of bands in Tokyo. He is working extensively as a composer, arranger, singer-songwriter, and guitarist. He also arranges and scores music for many TV programs in Japan.http://saitoryoji.com/

CHAN-MIKA (Featured Vocals) is a female reggae singer from Yokohama, Japan. Her fascination with unprocessed sounds of soul, jazz, and reggae inspired her to start singing in bands. In August 2012, CHAN-MIKA released her first album “SIDE 2 SIDE" and was awarded Best New Reggae Artist of 2012 on iTunes. In 2015, she performed at Mid City Music Lounge in LA. So far, CHAN-MIKA has released three albums and held band sessions in New York, Jamaica, and Australia.http://chan-mika.info/

JON GLASER (Trainwreck, Parks and Recreation, Girls) announces the premiere date for his new TV series “JON GLASER LOVES GEAR”on WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26 at 10pm ET/PT with back-to-back episodes on truTV. The hybrid comedy series’ 10-episode first season, created by and starring Jon Glaser, will feature John Hodgman (The Daily Show), Steve Cirbus (Delocated), Miriam Tolan,and Eva Solveig in recurring roles. Guest appearances include Janeane Garofalo (Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp, John Early (Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising), Jo Firestone (The Jim Gaffigan Show), mixed martial artist Renzo Gracie,bass fishing champ Woo Daves, former NHL All-Star and Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Ron Duguay, Peter Grosz (Veep), and Robert Kelly (Louie). They all play alongside the series’ star Jon as he sets out to make a docu-series about his greatest passion: gear. Ironically, it’s this very obsession that continually threatens to derail the show, sending each episode spiraling off on deeply personal tangents.

Jon Glaser’s additional TV credits include Delocated! and Neon Joe, Werewolf Hunter, both of which he also created, co-wrote, co-executive produced and starred in. Emmy-nominated shows include Parks and Recreation, Girls, Inside Amy Schumer, Louie,Curb Your Enthusiasm,and MTV’s cult comedy show Wonder Showzen. His book “My Dead Dad Was In ZZ Top” was published by Harper Collins.

The EUGENE MIRMAN COMEDY FESTIVAL is the world’s first sincere­ and ­ironic comedy event that celebrates a close­ knit comedy community while making fun of the trappings of mainstream comedy festivals. Now in its 9th amazing year, the popular annual event returns with another excellent lineup of shows starting this Thursday, September 15 through Saturday, September 17.Tickets & info on all shows at: http://prettygoodfriends.com/emcf

JUST ANNOUNCED:

VANESSA BAYER from Saturday Night Live will be joining “StarTalk Live!” at the Beacon Theater on Thursday, September 15.

After-show parties will be held at the Bell House with KARAOKE Friday night and a PLEASANT MIDDLE-AGED AFTER PARTY Saturday night featuring...what else but hummus, board games and house design magazines.

Both before and after “You’re the Expert” on Saturday, Sept. 17 at the Bell House, there will be a special guest SCIENCE MIME...miming all things science, of course. Then there’s the foretelling SALSA MARKET WATCH featuring a revealing salsa dancer whispering stock tips in your ear...

The 2016 festival kicks off with “StarTalk Live!” at the Beacon Theatre in NYC and continues with great comedy the next two nights at the Bell House and Union Hall in Brooklyn.

RISK! releases its 300th episode with an epic podcast featuring true, uncensored stories from every single member of cult comedy troupe THE STATE. You’ll hear David Wain, Thomas Lennon, Joe Lo Truglio, Kerri Kenney, Michael Showalter, Todd Holoubek, Michael Patrick Jann, Robert Ben Garant, Ken Marino, Michael Ian Black, and RISK! Creator & Host Kevin Allison sharing funny, and many never-before-heard stories about their lives behind the scenes and working and playing together in the 90s. Janeane Garofalo makes a guest appearance. In classic RISK! form, it’s also completely uncensored and couldn’t be aired on regular radio, but you can download or stream as a free podcast on the RISK site and platforms including iTunes.

Joe Lo Truglio tells about doing psychedelic mushrooms for the first time with the group

Tom Lennon’s surprise from Kerri Kenney during his first rehearsal with The State

Michael Ian Black tells about how the competitiveness of the group once made him vomit all over himself

David Wain describes a gourmet dinner party the group once threw where all the food and supplies were shoplifted

Ken Marino tells of the time the group once screamed orgasmically for 40 minutes nonstop

Ben Garant talks dropping out of the group to become a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle

Michael Showalter describes how Kevin Allison got the idea to add a severed pig’s head as a prop for a State sketch while in a gay sex club

Kerri Kenney-Silver tells about the first time the group heard Smells Like Teen Spirit and slam danced like never before or since.

And more!

The RISK! podcast, which started in 2009 in former State member Kevin Allison’s NYC apartment, has grown to be a hugely popular live show and podcast getting over 1.5 million downloads every month from fans around the world.

RISK! LIVE is performed monthly at both The Bell House in Brooklyn and Bootleg Theater in LA. It also travels across the country with host Kevin Allison to showcase local talent and stories.

W. KAMAU BELL ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM RELEASE

‘SEMI-PROMINENT NEGRO’ OUT SEPT 30 VIA KILL ROCK STARS

FALL STAND-UP TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED

Critically-acclaimed socio-political comedian W. KAMAU BELL (Totally Biased, CNN’s United Shades of America) announces the album release of his first solo stand-up special, W. KAMAU BELL: SEMI-PROMINENT NEGRO. Directed by Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me, Freakonomics) and originally seen onShowtime,‘Semi-Prominent Negro’ was filmed before a live audience in Brooklyn and features Kamau’s uniquely insightful and hilarious views on a host of social and political issues such as gentrification, marriage equality, “mixed-race” children, and doing Black children’s hair just to name a few. Throughout ‘Semi-Prominent Negro’ Bell confirms his stature as one of the leading cultural critics of our time.

Upon the film’s release in April, Kamau said, “We live in critical times and comedy can help make those times a little bit easier to deal with. I hope that ‘Semi-Prominent Negro’ can help people laugh and deal with these times. Also, I hope it helps me afford better health insurance. Specifically dental and vision.”

W. Kamau Bell is the host of the Emmy-nominated CNN docu-series “United Shades Of America”, KALW's “Kamau Right Now”, the Chris Rock produced“Totally Biased with W Kamau Bell” and current co-host of “Totally Re-Active”podcast alongside Hari Kondabolu. Kamau has appeared on Conan, WTF with Marc Maron, The Rachel Maddow Show, The View, Fresh Air with Terry Gross, Comedy Central’s @midnight, The Nerdist, This American Life, Tavis Smiley,and more.

‘Semi-Prominent Negro’ follows Kamau’s previous two stand-up comedy albums: ‘One Night Only’ and ‘Face Full of Flour’which was named one of the Top 10 Best Comedy Albums of the year by iTunes and Punchline Magazine.

truTV ANNOUNCES FIRST-EVER ADAM RUINS EVERYTHING LIVE! Tour

15-CITY TOUR BRINGS UPCOMING ELECTION SPECIAL TO LIFE

truTV announced today the first-ever tour of ADAM RUINS EVERYTHING LIVE! which kicks off on September 13 in Seattle at the legendary Showbox. Starring comedian Adam Conover and featuring his trademark humor and wit, the 15-city live stage show will feature elements of the recently-announced Adam Ruins EverythingElection Special, whichwill be shot immediately following the tour and premiere Tuesday, October 25 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on truTV.

“I'm so excited to give audiences across the country a sneak peek of the Adam Ruins Everything Election Special before it hits truTV,” said Conover. “We'll be breaking down the history of our nation's election system, dispelling myths about our democracy, and diagnosing what makes this election different from any other. And every show will feature never-before-seen material that won't make it to TV and guarantees to blow your mind.”

Tickets for ADAM RUINS EVERYTHING LIVE! go on sale Friday, August 12 at axs.com at noon local time in each market. The tour is produced by AEG Live.

The Adam Ruins Everything television series stars Conover as he embarks on a comically inventive yet unrelentingly serious quest to reveal the hidden truths behind everything you know and love. Tackling topics ranging from football and weddings to drugs and prison, he gives you not just fun facts to know and tell your friends, but information that will make you see the world in a whole new way.

In the upcoming hour-long election special and on the corresponding ADAM RUINS EVERYTHING LIVE! tour, Conover brings that same approach to the upcoming presidential election and explains everything you need to know before entering the booth on Election Day.

HARI KONDABOLU ANNOUNCES NEW COMEDY ALBUM

‘MAINSTREAM AMERICAN COMIC’ OUT ON KILL ROCK STARS

Hari is a Brooklyn-based comedian and writer hailed as “one of the most exciting political comics in stand-up today” by the New York Times and an “inventive and groundbreaking comedian” by The AV Club. ‘Mainstream American Comic’, his 2nd stand-up album, was recorded live in Portland, OR, and on it, Hari makes a strong case for reasons why race, gender and politics should be mainstream comedy. In an early review, the Seattle Times calls the album “fantastic” noting “Kondabolu proves throughout the album that he’s a comedian who has found his voice and figured out how to harness it for consistent laughs.”

A popular headlining stand-up, Hari has performed on stages around the country and will be on tour in support of ‘Mainstream American Comic’. The tour launches next Friday in Detroit before he heads to Milwaukee, Chicago and back to Brooklyn for release shows – 3rd show added by popular demand! – and back out again.

A former writer and correspondent for“Totally Biased with W Kamau Bell”, Hari has teamed up with Kamau for a new podcast called “Politically Re-Active” which recently premiered.Find it here: http://www.politicallyreactive.com/

MATT AND KIM BRING THE PARTY TO MO POP THIS SUNDAY

CATCH THEIR SET @ 7:20PM ON GRANDE STAGE

(photo credit: matt miller)

MATT AND KIM are ready to bring the party toMo Pop Festival Sunday, July 24 with a 7:20 p.m. set on the Grande Stage. The duo known for infectious, beat-driven anthems and explosive live shows return to Detroit on the heels of touring with Ellie Goulding and the release of their hot new EP WE WERE THE WEIRDOS(FADER) and viral video for EP track “Let's Run Away” - SEE IT HERE

RHEA BUTCHER aNNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF HER DEBUT NEW COMEDY ALBUM ‘BUTCHER’

(photo credit: megan thompson)

Out August 19 On Kill Rock Stars

RHEA BUTCHERS’s ‘BUTCHER’ on KILL ROCK STARS, recorded live in Portland, OR, perfectly showcases Rhea’s brilliant takes on vegetarian dog ownership, her wardrobe and mistaken identity, her Ohio roots – and much more. Read on for more information along with Rhea’s tour schedule.

DEAN STRANG and JERRY BUTING, defense attorneys for Steven Avery in the Netflix documentary series Making A Murderer, announce North American dates for A CONVERSATION ON JUSTICE TOUR.

The Tour will involve the two attorneys in conversation about the Steven Avery case and its broader implications, as well as a discussion on the larger topic of the American criminal justice system. Each night will also feature a Q&A portion and the opportunity for the audience to address questions directly to Dean Strang and Jerry Buting.

JEN KIRKMAN ANNOUNCES SUMMER TOUR, NEW STAND-UP SPECIAL TAPING IN NYC

(photo credit: robyn von swank)

JEN KIRKMAN announces summer tour dates as she gears up to tape her next comedy special in NYC this fall. On her summer tour, audiences will have the opportunity to see brand new material from Jen before it airs in 2017. She’ll be talking about getting her first tattoo at 41, a newfound hypochondria, the stupidity of long distance relationships, road rage, talking to strangers, and more! And after many of the summer shows, Jen will hang around to meet fans and sign copies of her great new book “I Know What I’m Doing & Other Lies I Tell Myself (Dispatches From a Life Under Construction)”. Check out Jen's upcoming dates at http://www.jenkirkman.com/tour-dates/

Jen's Netflix Original Comedy Special, “I’m Gonna Die Alone (And I Feel Fine)” is streaming worldwide and was named one of the top ten stand-up specials of 2015 by The Atlantic, New York Magazine and Time Out New York.

A New York Times Best Selling Author, her first book, “I Can Barely Take Care of Myself (Tales of a Happy Life Without Kids)” hit shelves in April 2013. Her follow-up book “I Know What I’m Doing & Other Lies I Tell Myself (Dispatches From a Life Under Construction)" was released in April 2016 again gaining praise from fans and critics alike.

EUGENE MIRMAN COMEDY FEST DATES ANNOUNCED: SEPTEMBER 15-17, 2016

“a favorite of alternative comedians and comedy­savvy fans” – New York Times

“one of Brooklyn's signature comedy events” – amNY

The EUGENE MIRMAN COMEDY FESTIVAL is the world’s first sincere­ and ­ironic comedy event that celebrates a close­ knit comedy community while making fun of the trappings of mainstream comedy festivals. Now in its 9th amazing year, the popular annual event returns with another excellent lineup of shows Thursday, September 15 through Saturday, September 17.The 2016 festival kicks off with StarTalk Live! at The Beacon Theatre in NYC and continues with great comedy the next two nights at The Bell House and Union Hall in Brooklyn.

This year’s fest features namesake/curator/comedy host extraordinaire, Eugene Mirman plus an all­-star cast of guests including,Neil deGrasse Tyson, Jon Glaser, Chris Duffy, Aparna Nancherla, Ophira Eisenberg, Eliot Glazer, Ilana Glazer, Josh Gondelman, Hari Kondabolu, Jo Firestone, Marina Franklin,Sasheer Zamata, Kevin Barnett, Maeve Higgins, and more to be announced, plus musicians and surprise guests.In addition to the comedy onstage, offstage you may also find a bouncy castle with a therapist inside, a roaming CPA dressed like a clown giving tax advice, or a station where you can throw a water balloon at a slam poet.

If history repeats itself, these shows will sell out, most in advance, so don’t miss your opportunity to attend the 9thAnnual Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival in New York! Check out FEST INFO for venues, dates and times.

MATT BRAUNGER HEADS OUT ON “MADE OF MISTAKES” TOUR INCLUDING 3 NIGHTS AT JFL MONTREAL

(photo credit: NashCO Photography)

Comedian MATT BRAUNGER takes his new stand-up show “Made of Mistakes out on tour this summer including headlining dates at Just For Laughs Montreal on July 25, 26, 28. A popular stand-up and actor hailed as “a devastatingly funny stand-up comedian” (TheLaughButton) “with the every-dude likability of Will Ferrell.” (SF Gate), Matt Braunger has made a nice niche for himself in the comedy world. He has also messed up. Many times; from getting a tattoo at 19 on a dare in a pool hall, to his DUI for driving too slow while visiting his parents, and much more, he explains it all in his newest stand-up show. Don’t miss it. Check out more info for Matt’s tour schedule.

Many fans also recognize Matt from his many TV appearances including cast member on Mad TV, stand up on CONAN, a recurring role on Marvel’s Agent Carter, Comedy Central’s @midnight, MARON, Chelsea Lately, The Late Show with David Letterman, The Pete Holmes Show, and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. His latest special “Big Dumb Animal” was named as a Netflix Best Stand-Up Special. His web series “White Flight” is available on ComedyCentral.com. He also hosts the popular podcast “The Ding-Donger” on Nerdist.